Beverage whipping device

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed beverage a beverage whipping apparatus having a motor for creating rotational motion, a rod having a first end and a second end, a whipping head that is in communication with the first end of the rod, and a torque reducing member intermediate the motor and the rod. This torque reducing member is in communication with the motor and the second end of the rod. Also disclosed is a method for manufacture of the beverage whipping apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is related to whipping devices and inparticular for whipping devices used in liquids or mixtures thereof forfrothing liquids or soluble solids therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Beverages, such as coffee, both hot and cold, are enjoyedthroughout the world. With hot beverages, especially coffee, many peopleprefer to drink this beverage with a milk or other similar foam at thetop of the serving container, typically a glass, cup or the like.Moreover, decorative drinks have become fashionable, with hot and coldcoffee drinks including foamed or froth, single or multiple layerstherein both. These drinks are both aesthetic and tasty.

[0003] Production of these foam or frothed layer(s) typically requirescommercial type machines, such as those found in restaurants and coffeeshops that foams and froths milk or the like, by boiling or steaming,and pressurizing the milk or the like. These machines are typically,large, bulky and expensive, making them prohibitive and unsuitable fordomestic uses. Even machines specifically designed for the domesticmarket do not produce foams and froths equivalent to those of thecommercial type machines.

[0004] Even with the resultant foam or froth produced, significant laboris required to make the foam or froth layer or layers aestheticallypleasing. Moreover, for example, when making milk froth layers in coffeeor similar drinks, significant skill of the prepare is required, toselect the correct amount of layers, and thicknesses thereof, so as tocreate the proper balance of milk to coffee, resulting in the desiredtaste.

[0005] The whipping device disclosed in Israel Patent No. 120490, was afirst step, and successful step toward providing a low cost domestic usedevice, for frothing and foaming milk, soluble powders or other liquids,both in and out of drinks such as coffee, hot and cold, or the like.This device however, had drawbacks.

[0006] Initially, through multiple uses over time, the bar supportingthe whipping head came out of alignment. Also, due to the delicatenature of the bar, it became bent. This resulted in the whipping headmoving in a distorted manner with less power, and vibrating, losingenergy such that the desired liquid was incompletely or not frothed atall, when the rod was placed into a liquid mixture or the liquid itself.

[0007] From a manufacturing standpoint, production was costly, as thewhipping head had to be manually balanced on the rod. The rod was also asingle part, such that ultimate assembly of the device had to be donemanually, in addition to the manual balancing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides an improvement in the art, byproviding a/whipping device that protects against rod bending and/orfalling out of balance. It also provides a multiple piece rod, that canbe easily assembled, by machines in a production line, and with lessprecision, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. As a result oflessening the rod length, when compared to the device detailed in IsraelPatent No. 120490, the drive member decreases torque on the rod,resulting in more concentrated whipping, with less chance of the rodbending or falling out of alignment.

[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a whippingapparatus having a motor for creating rotational motion, a rod having afirst end and a second end, a whipping head that is in communicationwith the first end of the rod, and a torque reducing member intermediatethe motor and the rod. This torque reducing member is in communicationwith the motor and the second end of the rod.

[0010] Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a whipping apparatusthat includes providing a rotating element including a shaft joiningelement, a rod having a whipping head at a first end thereof and asecond end, and a shaft of at least two pieces, said at least two piecescorrespondingly configured with respect to each other for maintainingengagement therebetween, said shaft including a first end, preferablyfrom at least one of the pieces forming the shaft, adapted for engagingsaid shaft joining element, and a second end, preferably from at leastanother of the pieces forming the shaft, for engaging a second end ofsaid rod. The at least two pieces of the shaft are then placed intoengagement. The shaft joining element is also placed into engagementwith the first end of the shaft, and the second end of the rod is placedinto engagement with the second end of the shaft. The placement of theshaft pieces into engagement, and engagements of the shaft joiningelement and rod with the respective shaft ends, may be at the same ordifferent times.

[0011] There is also disclosed a method for frothing liquid comprisingthe steps of providing at least one in a container and providing awhipping apparatus having a motor for creating rotational motion, a rodhaving a first end and a second end, a whipping head in communicationwith the first end of the rod; and a torque reducing member intermediatethe motor and the rod, this torque reducing member in communication withthe motor and the second end of the rod. At least a portion of thewhipping head is then placed into contact with the at least one liquid,and the whipping head is rotated.

[0012] There is also a method disclosed for making layered drinks whenthe liquid detailed above is formed of at least two, preferablydifferent, liquids and at least a portion of the whipping head is thenplaced into contact with the liquid, and the whipping head is rotated.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to awhipping apparatus having a motor for creating rotational motion, an armin communication with the motor for transferring the rotational motion,a rod having a first end and a second end, and a whipping head. Thewhipping head is in communication with the first end of the rod. Astabilizing member or element, typically a spring or other flexiblemember, including elastomeric tubes or the like, is configured forreceiving the arm and the second end of said rod, typically in africtional engagement, and by connecting the rod and arm, allows for thetransfer of rotational motion from the arm to the whipping head, via therod. The flexibility of the stabilizing member allows for self-rightingof the whipping head by the gyroscopic effect with the angular momentumcreated upon operation of the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will be described with reference to theattached drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicatecorresponding or like components. In the drawings:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of an embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shaft of the embodiment of FIG.1; and

[0018]FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of another embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 details an apparatus 20 of the present invention. Theapparatus typically includes a handle 22, preferably hollow and formedof halves or shells 22 a (other shell not shown) (preferably of plasticor the like), that serves as a housing for a motor 24. The motor 24 istypically activated by a switch 25 or the like, and includes a powersource 26 (typically batteries 27 or the like) and other componentsnecessary for driving the rod 28. An arm 29 extends from the motor 24and is received in a shaft 30. This shaft 30 preferably connects to thearm 29 of the motor 24, and that translates motion, for example,rotational and/or axial, from the motor 24 to the rod 28, and ultimatelyto a whipping head 34. The opposite or other end 28 b of the rod 28either terminates in, or is attached to, the whipping head 34.

[0020] This whipping head 34, shown in FIG. 2, is preferably formed by acoil spring 36 or the like, spread over a preferably circular or roundedmember 38. The member 38 is preferably a terminal portion of the rod 28formed into a lateral portion 38 a and a rounded, preferably circularportion 38 b, but can also be a separate lateral and circular or roundedpieces (integral or nonintegral) attached to the rod 28, by typicalfastening techniques such as welding, brazing, adhesives or othermechanical fasteners. For example, the whipping head 34 can be inaccordance with the whipping head detailed in Israel Patent No. 120490,that is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Alternately,the whipping head could be a propeller type or other finned memberattached to the end of the rod 28 by adhesives, mechanical fasteners,welds, etc.

[0021] Turning also to FIG. 3, there is detailed the shaft 30. Thisshaft 30 can be formed as a single piece or multiple pieces with twopieces 40, 42 preferred. This two piece construction allows for ease inmanufacturing of both the pieces 40, 42 and the entire device 20, asprecise manual alignment of the rod 28 has been eliminated by placementof this shaft 30 into the apparatus 20. The pieces 40, 42, are typicallymade of materials, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum and thelike, that are rigid and rust and corrosion resistant, or othermaterial, including plastics and polymers, with these properties. Thepieces 40, 42 could be made of the same or different materials, but itis preferred that they be compatible, so as not to rust, corrode orotherwise decompose upon being joined together.

[0022] The first piece 40 preferably includes a bore 44 extendingtherethrough (shown in broken lines). This bore 44 is preferablycontinuous and of two portions 44 a, 44 b, each portion of a differentdiameter. The larger diameter portion 44 b is sized to receive the stub50 on the second piece 42 in a frictional engagement, althoughadditional adhesives, typically those for metal to metal bonding (asdetailed above), are preferably used to enhance the engagement for longterm retention.

[0023] The bore 44 is formed in this manner for simplicity and economicmanufacture, as a smaller diameter bore is made first through the entirepiece 40, by conventional boring, particularly metal boring, techniques,followed by a larger diameter bore through a portion of the piece 40,also by these conventional boring, particularly metal boring,techniques. The remaining smaller diameter portion is bore portion 44 a,while the greater diameter portion, formed by the second boring processbecomes bore portion 44 b.

[0024] Upon assembly of the apparatus 20, should the stub 50 be engagedin the bore portion 44 bprior to the arm 29 in the other bore portion 44a, the stub 50 will have reached its limit of travel in this boreportion 44 b, and can, based on length of the arm 29, serve as a stopsurface for the arm, upon its placement and engagement in the boreportion 44 a.

[0025] Alternately, two separate bores could be made from each end ofthe piece 40 with these two separate bores, corresponding to the twobore portions 44 a, 44 b. These two bore portions 44 a, 44 bwould benon-continuous. Alternately, depending on the diameters of the arm 29,or other similar member, and the stub 50, the bore 44 may be of a singlediameter, or the larger diameter and smaller diameter portions reversed.Moreover, these bores and corresponding bore portions can be continuousor non-continuous, in accordance with that detailed above.

[0026] The second piece 42 is designed for connecting with the firstpiece 40, as a stub 50, preferably of a smaller diameter than theremainder of the piece 42, is engaged in the bore portion 44 bof thefirst piece 40, as detailed above. The stub 50 is preferably formed onthe piece by conventional metal machining techniques. The stub 50 ispreferably the length of or just slightly shorter than the length of thebore portion 44 b, so as to be accommodated completely in the boreportion 44 b. This way, the surfaces of the pieces 40, 42, will beflush.

[0027] A bore 52 (formed as detailed above) (shown in broken lines)extends into the end opposite the stub 50 to a distance suitable forreceiving and retaining the rod 28. The bore 52 is preferably of adiameter just slightly larger than that of the rod 28 in order tofrictionally engage it, although it is preferred to enhance thisfrictional engagement with adhesives, as detailed above. The depth ofthe bore 52 is such that the more rod 28 taken functions to assist inreducing torque on the rod 28, detailed below.

[0028] It is preferred that the second piece 42 be longer, preferably,approximately two to six times longer, than the first piece 40. This isfor economic and manufacturing reasons, as the first piece 40 must bedrilled to form the bore, drilling of this sort being expensive, as itrequires precision, as well as drill bits being costly. Also, the longera drilled bore must be, the greater chance of inaccuracy, leading tomore costs associated with rejected pieces, as well as the use of moredrill bits.

[0029] As detailed above, it is preferred that both pieces 40, 42 be ofthe same diameter, so at to be flush when joined together, and it thusfollows, and is preferred that bore portions 44 a, 44 bon the firstpiece 40, be configured so as to be aligned and substantially coaxial(along axis 54) with the stub 50 and bore 52 of the second piece, foroverall torque reduction on the rod 28 and whipping head 34, as energyis not wasted from side to side movement as a result of a misalignment.Additionally, with the first piece 40 shorter than the second piece 42,only the rod 28 and perhaps the second piece 42 will contact the fluidupon proper usage, providing for enhanced aesthetics.

[0030] The diameter of the shaft 30 is larger, than the diameter of therod 28. This, coupled with the pieces 40, 42 forming the shaft 30 as arigid member, with these pieces 40, 42 configured so as to aligncoaxially, and further coupled with the rod 28 being received in thesecond piece 42 to a sufficient depth therein, results in an apparatus20 that when in the operative mode, operates with reduced torque on therod 28 and whipping head 34, when compared to the corresponding rod andwhipping head in Israel Patent Application No. 120490, reduces torque onthe rod 28 (when compared to the corresponding rod in Israel PatentApplication No. 120490). By reducing torque on the rod 28 and whippinghead 34, there is produced a more powerful whipping action, as the rod28 can translate greater rotational motion to the whipping head 34,resulting from the elimination of lateral movement of the whipping head34 as suspended on the rod 28, when the device 20 is in operation.

[0031] In this apparatus 20, the rod 28 is preferably made of metal,such as brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. The spring is preferablymade of metals such as stainless steel. Propeller type whipping headsmay be made of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or the like.All materials used should preferably be such that they will not rust,corrode or otherwise decompose upon contact with fluid or othermaterials used to make the apparatus.

[0032] Manufacturing involves initially placing the motor 24 and powersource 26 in the handle 22 and closing the halves (shells) that form thehandle 22. The shaft 30 is then assembled as detailed above, as thefirst piece 40 preferably frictionally receives both the arm 29 in thebore portion 44 a and the second piece 42, in the bore portion 44b(adhesives are preferably used in this joining process as well toenhance the joining, as detailed above). The rod 28, preferably with thewhipping head attached (as (detailed above) is the placed into the boreportion of the second piece 42 preferably in a frictional engagement,with adhesives enhancing the joiner, as detailed above. The preferredadhesive is one, or a combination thereof, suitable for metal to metalbonding. These attachments and connections are permissible in any order.

[0033] In operation, the motor 24 is activated, typically by a switch 25on the handle 22. The motor translates rotational motion to the shaft 30that rotates the rod 28, and whipping head 34 thereon. The device 20 canbe started with the whipping head 34 either in the liquid or out of theliquid, as desired. For example, milk, preferably hot milk can befrothed by placing at least a portion of the whipping head 34 intocontact with the milk, typically in a container. As a second example,should milk, typically warm or hot, be placed into coffee or the like,the whipping head 34 may be placed preferably below the liquid level ofthe container and rotated (activated), whereby the milk is frothedwithin the liquid body, resulting in a layered drink. The size of thelayers is dependent upon the amount of time the whipping head 34 isrotating (activated).

[0034]FIG. 4 details another embodiment of the apparatus 120 of thepresent invention. This apparatus 120 includes many components similarin construction and materials to those shown in FIGS. 1-3 and describedabove, whereby the numbering and descriptions of these components isapplicable for this apparatus 120. Different components in thisapparatus 120, from those of the apparatus 20 detailed above, will benoted below.

[0035] In this apparatus 120, the rod 28 connects to the arm 29 byfrictionally fitting within a spring 122 or other flexible member, suchas a elastomeric tube or the like. The spring 122 or other flexiblemember provides lateral stability to the rod 28 and the whipping head34, when in rotation.

[0036] The spring 122 or other flexible member is preferably of twoportions 122 a, 122 b, each portion of different internal diameters,with a smaller internal diameter portion 122 a for receiving andretaining the rod 28 and a larger internal diameter portion 122 b forreceiving and retaining the arm 29, preferably in at least asubstantially coaxial alignment. Alternately, the spring 122 or flexiblemember can also be of a single internal diameter. Internal diameters ofthe portions 122 a, 122 b, of the spring 122 are preferably less than,but could also be the same as the diameters of the diameters of rod 28and arm 29, respectively. Alternately, if the spring 122 or flexiblemember is of a single internal diameter, this diameter should preferablybe less than, but could also be equal to, the diameter that is smallestof the rod 28 or arm 29. It is preferred that the spring diameter(s) beless than the diameters of the rod 28 and arm 29, such that there be astrong frictional engagement between the inner surface of the springportions 122 a, 122 b, or the spring 122 (in the case of a singleinternal diameter) and the outer surfaces of the rod 28 and arm 29, whena sufficient portions of the rod 28 and arm 29 are engaged in therespective portions 122 a, 122 b of the spring 122, or the spring 122itself (in the case of a single internal diameter).

[0037] The rod 28 and arm 29 extend into their respective portions 122a, 122 b in the spring 122 a distance so as to provide stability in awhipping operation. Extension into the spring 122 is such that the rod28 and arm 29 are spaced apart within the spring 122 to provide lateralflexibility for the whipping operation. However, the spacing can beminimal and even to a point where the rod 28 and arm 29 abut within thespring 122.

[0038] The rod 28, arm 29 and spring 122 are preferably cylindrical inshape, and circular in diameter, outer diameter, for the rod 28 and arm29, and inner diameter, for the spring 122. Other shapes and diametersare also permissible, provided that these members are properly retainedby the spring 122 or other flexible member, to provide the rod 28 andwhipping head 34 with sufficient lateral stability.

[0039] The spring 122 is typically a tubular coil spring, and of similarconstruction and materials like the spring 36 detailed above. The abovedetailed friction fit can be enhanced by adhesives (for metals,polymers, elastomers, etc., depending on the material of the spring 122or flexible member), or other fasteners or welds. Moreover, the spring122 or other flexible member is of a flexibility such that when inrotation, sufficient rotational energy will be transferred to the rod 28and ultimately the whipping head 34. This transferred rotational energy,coupled with the whipping head 34 centralizing itself based oncentrifugal forces (and thus minimizing energy loss from lateralforces), will result in the whipping head maximizing rotation speed andcreating forces necessary for proper whipping, even when the rod 28 andarm 29 are not coaxial with respect to each other, or when the rod 28 isbent, or should the whipping head 34 becomes unbalanced, or combinationsthereof. Still further, the spring 122 absorbs shock, so as to preventbending of the rod 28.

[0040] Manufacturing is similar to that detailed above, except that thespring 122 contacts the rod 28 and arm 29 so as to receive them in thefriction fit. The configuration of the spring 122 is such upon receiptof the rod 28 and arm 28 portions therein, balancing is not needed, asthe spring allows for self-balancing upon rotation. Should additionalsecurement be desired, the rod 28 and arm 29 can be pushed into thespring 122 as far as desired, provided that arm 29 operation is notimpaired and the rod 28 and arm 29 have not moved past each other in thespring 122. Operation of this apparatus is in accordance with thatdetailed above.

[0041] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice theinvention, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary andshould not be used to limit the scope of the invention. This scope ofthe invention should be determined by reference to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A/whipping apparatus comprising: a motor forcreating rotational motion; a rod having a first end and a second end awhipping head, said whipping head in communication with said first endof said rod; and a torque reducing member intermediate said motor andsaid rod, said torque reducing member in communication with said motorand said second end of said rod.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid torque reducing member includes a shaft of a rigid material.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein said shaft is of a diameter greater thanthe diameter of said rod.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein saidshaft includes at least two pieces and said at least two pieces and saidrod are coaxial.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said motorincludes an arm, and said arm is received in said shaft so as to becoaxial therewith.
 6. A method of manufacturing a/whipping apparatuscomprising: providing a rotating element including a shaft joiningelement, a rod having a whipping head at a first end thereof and asecond end, and a shaft of at least two pieces, said at least two piecescorrespondingly configured with respect to each other for maintainingengagement therebetween, said shaft including a first end adapted forengaging said shaft joining element, and a second end for engaging asecond end of said rod; placing said at least two pieces of said shaftinto engagement; placing said shaft joining element into engagement withsaid first end of said shaft; and placing said second end of said rodinto engagement with said second end of said shaft.
 7. A method forfrothing liquid comprising the steps of: providing at least one in acontainer; providing a whipping apparatus comprising: a motor forcreating rotational motion; a rod having a first end and a second end awhipping head, said whipping head in communication with said first endof said rod; and a torque reducing member intermediate said motor andsaid rod, said torque reducing member in communication with said motorand said second end of said rod; placing at least a portion of saidwhipping head into contact with said at least one liquid; and rotatingsaid whipping head.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said at least oneliquid includes at least two liquids.
 9. A/whipping apparatuscomprising: a motor for creating rotational motion; an arm incommunication with said motor for transferring said rotational motion; arod having a first end and a second end a whipping head, said whippinghead in communication with said first end of said rod; and a stabilizingmember configured for receiving said arm and said second end of said rodand allowing for the transfer of said rotational motion from said arm tosaid whipping head.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein saidstabilizing member is configured to receive said arm and said rod in africtional engagement.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein saidstabilizing member includes a spring.
 12. A beverage apparatussubstantially as described herein by way of example and with referenceto the drawings.
 13. A method for frothing liquid substantially asdescribed herein by way of example and with reference to the drawings.14. A method of manufacturing a beverage whipping apparatussubstantially as described herein by way of example and with referenceto the drawings.